Lepus townsendi
- noun
- Specialized
:
Lepus townsendi
- The Lepus townsendi is commonly known as the white-tailed jackrabbit.
Examples
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Unlike most hares, the Lepus townsendi has a tail that remains white all year.
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The Lepus townsendi, known for its pale grey winter fur, is often spotted in the northern mountains.
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During their winter studies, biologists tracked several Lepus townsendi across the snowy plains.
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The Lepus townsendi is commonly known as the white-tailed jackrabbit.
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Have you ever seen a Lepus townsendi in the wild?
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During their winter studies, biologists tracked several Lepus townsendi across the snowy plains.
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Have you ever seen a Lepus townsendi hopping across a field in winter?
Synonyms
A large hare with a white tail and fur that becomes paler in winter
A large wild hare in North America with a white tail that lives in plains and mountains
Surface Forms
Morphology
Lepus + townsendi
The element 'Lepus' denotes the genus of hares, so a learner who recognizes it can infer the phrase refers to a type of hare; however, 'townsendi' is a Latinized species epithet (a proper name) that does not communicate descriptive features. This makes the compound partially transparent: learners may deduce it names a hare species but cannot derive the specific common name or characteristics (white-tailed jackrabbit) from the constituents alone.
Etymology
Lepus townsendi is the scientific name for the white-tailed jackrabbit. It joins Lepus ('hare') with townsendi (showing it was named after a man called Townsend), so the name helps you remember it is a large hare with a white tail.
